Month: August 2019

Some people know this about me; others do not. I have killed a man. This is not a confession; it is just fact. I have nothing to hide about it. I am not ashamed of the fact. I have no regrets about doing it. I was doing my job. At the time of your death, I was a police officer. And, you tried your best to kill me. I am the police officer that killed you.

I hope you were not long in your suffering, but as I am aware, during the short time I spent with you, listening to your cries of agony and for mercy, the curses you spat at me, I endured, as you bled to death. I endured.

Over the past several months, I’ve had the distinct honor to help present what I believe is a game changer for mental health benefits for First Responders. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit with the Police and Fire departments of a city in Texas and have a frank conversation about what their officers and fire fighters are dealing with and what types of help they need.

Substance abuse is a chemical dependency, characterized by the uncontrollable use of addictive drugs or alcohol. A dependency on addictive substances impacts the mind and body and can have serious, long-term consequences, and these risks are compounded by a dual diagnosis (e.g., depression, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, adult ADHD, etc.).